Joining the fourth industrial revolution, online services are also increasing in agriculture. In continuation of this, application of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and cloud based automated agricultural system has started in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University. This initiative is to provide smart services by the Bangladesh government through the Digital Springs project of the United Nations using technology in cities, villages and agriculture.
This new innovation related to agricultural growth monitoring at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University using this sensor will make crop management much easier by working with field data, which is done manually by humans in the agricultural sector. Through this IT-based smart agriculture technology, farmers will be able to provide better care and get better productivity-enhancing information.
For example, in smart agriculture management it will be possible to monitor crop health by measuring and analyzing soil information such as soil moisture, temperature, pH level, EC, nutrients (nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus). By collecting information on soil health and nutrients through the sensors used, advanced agricultural technology will enable recommendations to provide appropriate nutrients based on the information obtained from the soil to enable high yield production. By using IoT sensors and smart sensor based cameras it will be able to use smart water management system by using land related information, farmers will be able to flow and manage water according to the need at the right time which will automate the traditional manual system. These systems allow farmers to monitor their farm processes and make strategic decisions remotely.
It is reported that, a four-member delegation led by the Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Bangladesh Office Mr. Ichiguchi Tamohid visited this innovation of smart agriculture at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University on August 16.
Vice-Chancellor of the university Professor Dr. Md. Ghiyasuddin Mia along with his delegation visited the computer science and information technology department of the university and other important facilities along with the project on the implementation of smart agriculture through the application of Internet of Things (IoT).
At this time, the chief researcher of the research team, the head of the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology Dr. Ganesh Chandra Saha Ankan, explained the technical activities and functions of the innovation and internal research project. .
He said, ‘Currently, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University and I are working to realize the dream of smart agriculture by establishing active links between academia, industry and government. Currently, Internet of Things-IoT is being used in various sectors as a powerful part of modern technology. IoT is connecting sectors like education, health, industry and so on. to help create healthy and smart society. A typical example is the use of IoT in the agricultural sector as well. In this sector, IoT sensors and devices are used to provide information supporting agricultural processes with farmers. It is used for a variety of purposes, such as sensors for soil preparation, weather forecasting and climate control based on rainfall, old technology tools and providing smart services for pest control’.
In continuation of that, this project is a successful example of information technology-based agriculture with the funding of the university and UGC and the technical support of the US-based ‘Center for Smart Village and Smart City Studies’.
It will play an important role in industry and academia research collaboration, new startups in agriculture, skilled human resources and innovative nation building. The delegation expressed satisfaction with the research innovation conducted by the university and assured of necessary support in future.
Along with improving the agricultural sector, other sectors of the country are also improving, helping to create a prosperous and affordable society. Bangladesh is now a middle-income developing country in a succession of successes. It is trying to keep pace with other advanced agricultural countries of the world. Agrarian China is now awash in agricultural technology. We also started moving forward little by little. Bangladesh is a role model to the outside world for the production of versatile agricultural products and the success of agriculture. Bangladesh can become a hub for the outside world for the production and export of a significant variety of agricultural products. This requires successful implementation of smart agriculture.
It should be noted that the use of information technology in the fields of education, health, agriculture and commerce has increased at a large rate, Bangladesh has become dependent on technology. Everyone now has an Android mobile phone, the number of mobile phone users has increased more than four times during this time. News from all corners of the world is coming to hand instantly. Bangladesh reached the milestone of 100% electrification; The country has started its journey on the path of new light.